Tallahassee Florida Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys

Overall Rating of 9 Nursing Homes Rating: 5 out of 5 (5) Much above average Rating: 4 out of 5 (1) Above average Rating: 3 out of 5 (0) Average Rating: 2 out of 5 (2) Below average Rating: 1 out of 5 (1) Much below averageAugust 2018

Our Tallahassee Florida nursing home abuse attorneys have witnessed a substantial increase in cases involving abuse, mistreatment and neglect occurring in nursing facilities throughout Florida’s capital city. Sadly, the number of abuse cases is likely much higher than those reported because many victims of nursing home abuse tell anyone of the unacceptable actions of caregivers and other residents out of fear or a lack of ability to describe what occurred.

Medicare releases information every month on all nursing homes in Tallahassee based on the data gathered through surveys, investigations and inspections. The database monitored by the federal agency reveals that three (33%) of the nine Tallahassee nursing facilities are deemed to be below the national averages after serious deficiencies and violations were identified. If your loved one was harmed, injured, mistreated, abused or died unexpectedly from neglect while residing at a nursing home in Tallahassee, your family has rights to ensure justice. We urge you to contact Tallahassee nursing home abuse attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center (800-926-7565) today. Schedule a free case evaluation and let us discuss your legal options for obtaining monetary recovery through a lawsuit or compensation claim.

Approximately 15,000 of the 187,000 residents living within the greater Tallahassee community are seniors who have reached retirement age. That number of elderly citizens is even higher when including the retirees living in Perkins, Bradfordville, Havana, Centerville, Midway and Ochlockonee. Many of these seniors moved here long ago in search of better climate, warmer winters and access to many of the beautiful lakes, preserves and state forests in the area.

Sadly, there has been a significant impact on many of the senior citizens who came to enjoy a better life but now need the assistance of skilled nursing care in a nursing home, assisted living center or rehabilitation facility. The ever-increasing demand for bed in nursing homes has been a challenge for many facilities to accommodate. Many nursing homes are overcrowded at full capacity, yet are understaffed because not enough nurses and nurses’ aides are available for hire. As a result, many residents become victims because the nursing staff is overworked, lack sufficient training or not properly supervised.

Tallahassee, Florida Nursing Home Resident Safety Concerns

The Tallahassee nursing home neglect attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC serves as a legal advocate for every resident in nursing homes all throughout northern Florida. Our team of attorneys recognizes that nursing facilities should be a place where the elder is safe from harm, abuse or neglect. Our law firm continuously reviews serious cases involving nursing home investigations, filed complaints and safety concerns. We publish this publicly available information to assist families who must place a loved one in the care of a professional nursing staff in the Tallahassee area.

Comparing Tallahassee Area Nursing Facilities

Our Florida elder abuse lawyers have listed the facilities below that currently maintain “average to below average” ratings posted by the national Medicare.gov database website. Have outline their primary concerns at these facilities that might include in-house-acquired pressure ulcers, preventable accident hazards and a lack of providing a standard of care that meets acceptable professional levels. Many of these incidences caused direct or indirect harm to at least one resident living in the nursing home.

Information on Florida Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence Lawsuits

Our attorneys have compiled data from settlements and jury verdicts across Florida to give you an idea as to how cases are valued. Learn more about the cases below:

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/28/2015, a complaint investigation against the facility was opened for its failure to “develop and implement quality assurance plans related to a preventative maintenance program.”, The complaint investigation came in response to an 08/20/2014 notification that the facility’s 108 smoke detectors did not pass sensitivity training. The facility failed to develop and implement an action plan to address the functioning of the facility’s smoke detection system. This systematic failure led to a finding of Immediate Jeopardy on 08/28/2015.”

An emergency quality assurance meeting was held and observed showing the “continuous fire watch system in place.” On 04/20/2015 the state surveyor noted that the “facility remains out of compliance at the lower severity and scope of F (no actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm that is not immediate jeopardy) to ensure that monitoring of systems put in place are effective.”

Failing to ensure that the smoke detectors work properly and pass sensitivity training places the lives and well-being of residents in jeopardy. Our Tallahassee elder abuse attorneys recognize that the deficient practice might be considered negligence or mistreatment of residents in the facility.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/21/2015, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility’s failure to “ensure interventions to reduce risk of falls were in place [for a resident at the facility].” The deficient practice was noted was initiated after a review of the facility’s nurse’s notes documenting a 04/21/2015 incident of a resident sustaining a fall who was “discovered on her knees next to the bed.” The notes indicate that the “resident sustained [an injury].” The notes document. Because of that, the physician ordered that a better alarm be placed at the bed and checked for function at every shift and that mats be placed on the floor anytime the patient is in bed. However, a 05/19/2015 observation by the state investigator noted that there was no “bed alarm in place].”

The state surveyor noted that the “resident’s care kardex failed to include use of bed alarm for this resident” and a review of the resident’s plan of care indicated that the resident had a “bed alarm that was discontinued on 02/25/2015 prior to fall on 03/15/2015 that resulted in a hip fracture, but failed to document the bed alarm intervention that was ordered following two falls without injury.”

Failing to provide an environment free of accident hazards and failing to providing adequate supervision and devices to prevent avoidable accidents might be considered negligence or mistreatment of the resident. In addition, the deficient practice does not follow the established policies of the facility and violates state and federal regulations.

Failure to Maintain Accurate Clinical Records That Meet Professional Standards

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 10/15/2015, a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility’s failure to “maintain a complete and accurately documented medical records for [2 residents of the facility].” The deficient practice was noted after a state surveyor reviewed the record for residents at the facility which revealed incomplete records. In one incident, the physician’s order for a resident admitted to the facility with an Unna boot indicated that the resident was to receive “skin prep to the right heel twice a day until resolved.”

However, a review of the resident’s Treatment Administration Record (TAR) revealed that there were “several blank spaces on the treatment record [on the dates 10/1, 10/2, 10/3, 10/4, 10/5, 10/6, 10/8 and 10/9].” The surveyor interviewed the unit manager in regards to the TAR and was asked about why her initials were missing. The unit manager explained “that the floor nurse initialed it because she was a nurse working on that hall. She could not explain why [the nurse’s] initial were now in the previously noted blank spaces on the TAR” when they were reviewed because the nurse “was not working [on the day of the interview and stated that] she did not tell [the nurse] to fill them in.”

This deficient practice did not meet professional standards of accurate clinical records and does not reflect whether the nursing staff follow the physician’s orders. Failing to accurately maintain clinical records could place the health and well-being of the resident in jeopardy and might be considered negligence or mistreatment.

Failure to Follow Physician’s Orders the Directly Harmed a Resident at the Facility

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 07/13/2013, a state surveyor made a notation during an annual licensure and certification survey concerning the facility’s failure to “provide care in accordance with the physician’s order for [treating a resident at Bainbridge Health and Rehabilitation Center].” The deficient practice was noted upon a review of a resident’s records indicating the 03/12/2015 physician’s telephoned orders included the application of skin prep “to the resident’s right outer ankle daily” to treat a wound “with black eschar tissue” measuring 0.5 cm by 0.5 cm in size.

“However, further review of for [the resident] to include a review of the March 2015 and April 2015 Wound and Treatment and Progress Records, revealed no evidence to indicate the skin prep treatment had been applied daily to the right outer ankle as ordered on the following dates: 03/15/2015; 03/21/2015; 03/22/2015; 03/28/2015; 03/29/2015; 04/01/2015 through 04/07/2015; 04/10/2015 through 04/13/2015 and 04/17/2015 through 04/19/2015.

Subsequent notes maintained in the Nursing Weekly Skin Condition Reports dated 04/03/2015, 04/09/2015 and 04/14/2015 revealed “no change in the right outer ankle vascular wound.” However, the 04/16/2015 8:57 AM progress note maintain for the resident indicated “multiple dark red areas on the right lower leg and foot, and black round eschar on the right posterior calf with redness around the edges of the wound.” Additionally, the wound increased in size from 0.5 cm by 0.5 cm to 3.0 cms by 2.5 cms. A review of the record for the resident by the investigator “revealed no evidence to indicate that the treatment to the resident’s right foot, leg and posterior calf were done as ordered” by the physician from 04/17/2015 through 04/19/2015.

Failure to follow physician’s orders can cause direct harm to a resident that might be considered negligence or mistreatment. The deficient practice of providing substandard care violates established policies adopted by the facility and violates both state and federal regulations.

Failure to Report Any Irregularity in Prescribed Drug Medications to the Attending Doctor That Could Cause Potential Harm to the Resident

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 05/15/2015, a notation was made by a state surveyor during an annual licensure and certification survey involving the facility’s failure to “identify and report medication irregularities for [3 residents at the facility].” The deficient practice was noted in part after review of a resident’s medical record indicated irregularities from the 10/18/2014 physician’s orders prescribing Macrobid 100 milligrams taken orally twice a day for 14 days and the facility’s Medication Administration Record that the resident had a drug allergy to Macrobid.

The state surveyor had an interview consult with the pharmacist on 05/14/2015 where the pharmacist stated there was “no evidence of documentation that [the pharmacist] inform the position or [Director of Nursing] that [the resident] had a drug allergy to Macrobid and receive the medications on the above dates.”

Our Tallahassee elder abuse attorneys know that failing to ensure that the resident does not take medications that have been known to cause a drug allergic reaction in the past might be considered negligence or mistreatment. The deficient practice does not follow proper procedures adopted by the facility and directly violates regulations enforced by federal and state nursing home regulators.

Providing Residents Medication That Had Expired More Than 12 Months Prior

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 04/16/2015, a notation was made during an annual licensure and certification survey by a state investigator concerning the facility’s failure to “ensure expired medications were disposed of in a timely manner [involving three medications on two medication cards].” The deficient practice was noted after a medication room observation by the state surveyor on 04/16/2015 that revealed that the Ferrous Sulfate oral solution on two medication cards had expired at the facility contained eight unopened boxes with expiration dates from the previous year of March 2014, April 2014 and July 2014.

Providing expired medications to residents at the facility might be considered negligence or mistreatment and does not follow established protocols adopted by the nursing home. In addition, the failure to maintain drug records according to accepted professional standards violates federal and state regulations.

In a summary statement of deficiencies dated 08/27/2015, a state surveyor made a notation during an annual licensure and certification survey concerning the facility’s failure to “ensure care and services were provided for [resident with] urinary incontinence.” The deficient practice was involved a resident in the facility observed in an adjacent dining room with a noticeably “strong odor of urine.” The resident was interviewed by the state surveyor and the facility’s Assistant Director of Nursing. “When asked about the odor, the resident stated her briefs and pants were currently wet with urine. She stated she propelled yourself to the desk about an hour ago to go to the restroom, and was told ‘I’ll find someone’.”

The resident “stated she has urinated twice in her briefs since that time. She further stated she is often left wet and has difficulty getting staff to assist her to the toilet. She stated she is aware of when she needs to be toilet, but has difficulty getting staff to assist, sometimes waiting 1-2 hours.” The state surveyor noted that “during the interview, a dark yellow substance was observed leaking onto the floor under her wheelchair. This finding was observed by a fellow surveyor and photographic evidence was obtained.”

Looking for Signs of Neglect and Abuse

If your spouse, parent or grandparent is residing currently resides in a nursing facility it is essential to pay attention to the level of care they receive. If you suspect any type of abuse or neglect, there are specific steps to take to handle the problem. The most common signs that the resident is being victimized by caregivers or other residents will involve:

Physical Abuse – The resident can be abused in a variety of ways by their caregivers or other residents in the facility. The most common types of physical abuse can occur by direct contact with others, or lack of supervision or accident hazard provides the undesirable opportunity for the victim to fall. Other types of physical abuse involve bruising, broken bones, pressure marked, burns and abrasions.

Neglect – Although neglect is a different type of mistreatment and abuse, it still causes actual or possible harm/injury to the victim. As an example, if an elderly individual requires assistance for eating or drinking but the staff neglects to provide the assistance, the resident can become malnourished/dehydrated to the point where it causes immediate jeopardy to their health.

Mistreatment – The resident can be mistreated by others in the facility, administration, management, supervisors or the nursing staff in various ways including belittling, threatening, verbal assault, theft and arguing.

If you have noticed any incident of abuse or neglect, it is crucial to call authorities and report the incident immediately. This will provide an immediate snapshot of exactly what is happening in the facility. The more detailed information you provide authorities, the likelier the chance that the abused individual will receive the care they require either while continuing to reside in the facility or moving to another nursing home in the community. You are more likely to see signs of abuse or neglect if you visit or call as often as possible. In time, your elderly loved one will consider you there most trusted confidant who can protect them from harm.

Hiring an Attorney

Many families facing the uncomfortable situation were a loved one has been neglected, abused or mistreated will hire a skilled personal injury attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect cases. The Tallahasee nursing home abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have been serving as legal advocates for nursing home residents for years. Our team of dedicated Florida elder abuse lawyers provide various legal options to families who have a loved one being victimized in a nursing home. In addition, we investigate the incident, gather evidence and speak to eyewitnesses to build a solid case for financial compensation and a hold those legally responsible accountable for their unacceptable behavior.

We urge you to contact our Tallahasee nursing home abuse case law offices today by calling (800) 926-7565 to schedule a no obligation, free case evaluation. We handle all cases involving abuse and neglect on a contingency fee arrangement where we provide immediate legal services without the need of you paying an upfront fee.

For additional information on Florida laws and information on nursing homes look here.

If you are looking for information on a specific facility or an attorney, please see links below to respective locality pages.

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial. Lisa

★★★★★

After I read Jonathan’s Nursing Home Blog, I decided to hire him to look into my wife’s treatment at a local nursing home. Jonathan did a great job explaining the process and the laws that apply to nursing homes. I immediately felt at ease and was glad to have him on my side. Though the lawsuit process was at times frustrating, Jonathan reassured me, particularly at my deposition. I really felt like Jonathan cared about my wife’s best interests, and I think that came across to the lawyers for the nursing home. Eric